Are you prepared to service VCR, EV system technologies?

April 1, 2018
The system technologies that were once only a figment of an engineer’s imagination are the systems we are seeing on production cars today. Are you ready for what tomorrow may bring?

It seems like this is a question we’ve been asking ourselves for a very long time now. I think it all started when the first computer was used to manage emissions nearly 40 years ago. Now, you younger techs have to bear with me here. I’m an old-timer and the first cars I worked on where carbureted beasts, and the most complicated electronics they had were the AM radios on the dash. I’ve watched the entire era of computer-controlled systems evolve from the first throttle body injection systems to the technologies we have today. And, to be honest, it’s taken some effort to keep up with it all. Many of my peers didn’t and have fallen by the wayside as a result. 

(Image courtesy of Infiniti) The 2019 Infiniti QX50 will be the first production model equipped with a VCR engine.

And I got news for all of you just entering the field. With what is on the market today and what is coming down the road, I’m betting you’ll be making similar comments when your hair starts to turn gray!  

Just 10 years ago 

One example of the changing technology is discussed elsewhere in this issue in an article by Bernie Thompson entitled “VCR – A Future Technology Applied Today.” No, VCR does not stand for “Video Cassette Recorder” — it stands for “Variable Compression Ratio,” and it’s a topic I actually wrote about nearly 10 years ago. At that time, though, the engineering was only in prototype. Today, at least one design is scheduled for use on a production vehicle, slated to debut on the 2019 Infiniti QX50.  

As with most of the “new” technologies surrounding engine management, the idea of variable compression ratios is a result of old concepts revisited with the capabilities engineers have at their disposal today. The basic four-stroke cycle remains the same. It’s just being fine-tuned for maximum efficiency across the entire operating range by providing a variety of means of changing the engine’s operating modes. Of course, the resulting increases in efficiency means more power and better fuel economy. It also means additional training to fully understand how the system works and how to fix it when it doesn’t! 

Another challenging technology you’re going to soon face (if you haven’t already) are the ADAS (Advanced Driver Assist Systems) in use. These are the blind-spot monitoring systems, the anti-collision systems, even the parking assist systems and that just names a few. Most of these systems rely on radar, cameras or a combination of the two as primary inputs. Some routine services you’re used to performing can cause these systems to malfunction if the proper procedures aren’t followed. 

(Image courtesy of Infinity) The VCR design used by Nissan allows for continuously changing piston position, allowing for maximum charge compression without detonation.

One example is something as simple as replacing a damaged windshield. If the new glass doesn’t meet the OEM specification, the forward facing camera assembly (many are incorporated into the rearview mirror assembly) may get a distorted view of the road ahead and pass that misinformation along to the controller. The now confused controller may think the vehicle is drifting right or left, and continuously “buzz” the driver’s backside in warning (passive systems) or activate the brakes accordingly to correct (active systems). In reality, you now have a “pull” in one direction or the other that no amount of alignment corrections are going to correct. 

Another challenge related to ADAS is the recalibration of the camera and/or radar components after a unit is replaced. Reminiscent of the early days of On Board Diagnostics, there is no “standard” practice in place. What that means is a potentially high investment cost of the targets and tooling you’ll need to perform these recalibrations and that doesn’t even take into account the often massive shop floor space some OEM procedures require. Can you shortcut these processes? You probably can (as more than a few YouTube “gurus” have demonstrated) but do you really want to? These are safety systems, after all, and if you try to shortcut a recalibration process to save money, you may find yourself spending a lot more when that vehicle is involved in an accident and the family’s lawyer comes calling. 

Another take from the “oldies, but goodies” file. It’s been almost 30 years since the first hybrid was introduced in the U.S. How many of you have embraced hybrid and EV technologies? How many of you have gotten formal training on how to properly (and safely) service, troubleshoot and repair the High Voltage (HV) systems?  

(Image courtesy of Harley-Davidson) Even Harley is getting in on the EV trend, offering the Project LiveWire to consumers in the 2020 MY (forecast).

Hybrid and EV sales are on the rise, albeit slowly. But in a recent article, I read where many experts feel that the 2030 MY will be the tipping point among consumers. That’s only a decade away! Some automakers have announced that they are increasing their number of hybrid and EV offerings and one has even stated it will cease making gasoline-only powered models in the very near future. Heck, even the iconic motorcycle brand, Harley-Davidson, has joined in on the EV trend announcing the addition of an EV-powered model in the 2020 MY. Imagine, Peter Fonda and Dennis Hoffman cruising across the country on a pair of those! 

Now consider just how fast the last ten years have passed. These technologies, the new and the not so new, are going to overtake the industry within the lifetimes of many of you reading this article today. And just as I’m sharing the memories of the early days of my career, imagine yourself sharing with your grandchildren what it felt to actually “drive” a car or what it sounded like to hit WOT on a 400hp V-8! 

Then embrace the change, train for the change, and adapt for the change.  

Training for now and tomorrow

In only a few more months, NACE Automechanika will be opening the doors in Atlanta! The event is being held Aug. 8-10. This year’s training event is focused on the topics you’ve wanted most and features the top instructors in the nation. Nearly every independent instructor presenting at Automechanika is doing what you do every day, working on cars and solving problems, and they will be bringing their hard won lessons to the event. Don’t miss out! 

Another program we have for you is Motor Age Training CONNECT, an online video-based training platform that you can use as a supplement to your current training plan. With over 350 titles in the library today, and more being added every month (including a few featuring yours truly!), you’ll be sure to find content that fits your needs. You can also start a track program that takes you from newbie to Master in a more structured approach. That’s the one I’m on and I’ve already learned a lot, even in the early segments of the program.  
It’s a small monthly subscription and you can cancel at any time – no long term contracts or any of that nonsense. Between these two training opportunities, Motor Age has you covered! 

Yes, I am a Motor Age Training CONNECT student. This is the first certificate I earned, back in January.

Remember the Scion?

Last month, I shared the frustration of trying to solve a cold weather shudder my wife was experiencing on her Scion tC. I’d like to report that I’ve found the problem but I can only share that I found the source of the noise only – and not the underlying cause. 

The noise turned out to be the hood rattling, or more precisely “buzzing” when all the right conditions were met. I made a slight adjustment to the hood bumpers, located at each side of the engine compartment, to apply a bit more tension on the latch. That took care of the noise, but not the issue that allowed the vibration in the first place. And, of course, now the weather is warm and I can no longer duplicate the symptoms. Guess I’ll have to wait until the next few weeks of winter to come along! 

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